Former Cruz Staffer Amanda Carpenter Joins CNN as a Political Commentator

A return to the media fold.

CNN has a new political commentator in former Ted Cruz communications director Amanda Carpenter. Carpenter comes on as the network prepares to host the second Republican presidential debate on Sept. 16.

In addition to serving as communications director for Cruz’s Senate office, Carpenter was previously a speechwriter for Sen. Jim DeMint. Carpenter left her role as communications director in June, citing a desire to get back to commentary. Carpenter had been a columnist and reporter at The Washington Times before coming to the Senate.